A PERSONAL PRAYER
God, I am always listening to hear if you are calling me to something significant, something world-changing. Maybe I can write a world-changing sermon, and lead a world-changing mission. Maybe I can build an organization to end hunger or bring about world peace. God, I don’t know if I am missing something or not paying attention, but I seldom hear such a call. The call I do hear is far less grandiose, but perhaps more significant. It is the daily call
to be kind to my neighbor,
to share my love with a friend,
to do my best at my job,
to offer encouragement to someone who is discouraged,
to bring a little joy to someone who is sad,
to pray for someone struggling,
to share some of what I have with someone who needs it,
to support an organization that makes a difference,
to listen to someone who is lonely,
to forgive someone who has wronged me,
to ask for forgiveness from someone I have wronged,
to reconcile a broken relationship,
to share the good news of Jesus’ love with someone who doesn’t know, and even someone who does know.
O God, I will keep listening for that grand call, but until then, show me how to give myself away in love to those who are near me. You have brought them into my path for a reason.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
Join us this week for World Communion Sunday as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper at all worship services. We will continue our series on living a High Impact Life by starting at home.
On Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, we will have an all Church Conference to consider a plan for a capital campaign in the Fall of 2020. We will vote on a proposed capital campaign committee for projects to put meat on our “A City Transformed by the Love of Jesus” vision statement, retiring our debt on the Parking Garage, and consider a building committee for a community center at Gethsemane. We will also hear a report from the Trustees and the Foundation, as well as a financial update. All are welcome.
The theme for our 2020 generosity campaign is “Giving with Gratitude.” You should receive your Generosity packet in the mail this week, so please be in prayer for discernment in making your gift to St. Luke’s for 2020. Learn more or make a pledge here.
Next Sunday afternoon, October 13, from 3-4 pm is the Blessing of the Animals on the Ellipse beside the Main South Entrance. All pets are welcome on leashes or in cages. You can send a friend this invitation to invite them to join you.
Did you miss last week’s impact Sunday message and testimonies on September 29? Watch them here.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, October 6
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of prayer. We thank you that you are a God who loves us and cares about what is on our hearts. We confess that we sometimes allow our fears and our perfectionism to keep us from praying to you. Please continue to grow us in our prayer life. In the name of the one who taught us to pray, Amen.
Monday, October 7
Lord, we thank you for the way in which you call us into your mission. We pray that the work you are doing in us goes forth into the workplace or communities in which we serve. Amen.
Tuesday, October 8
Heavenly Father, help us to be better fathers and mothers to our children than we are now. We pray that our children would know that they are loved by us and also by you. Watch over them and protect them in ways that we cannot. Amen.
Wednesday, October 9
Heavenly Father, we lift up all those in need of physical healing. Father God, you are the true healer of all creation. Amen.
Thursday, October 10
Lord, we thank you for the Outreach Ministries at St. Luke’s. Thank for the staff who work hard to help us grow in our service to you. Please bless their efforts, and let them see the fruits of their labor. Amen.
Friday, October 11
God, thank you for our faith friends who walk alongside us and pray through life with us. We pray that you would bless them as they have blessed us. Help them to know what a difference they make in our lives. Amen.
Saturday, October 12
Lord, we pray for those who are struggling with unemployment. We pray that you would open doors and connect them to people so that they may find meaningful work. We pray that you would encourage them and give them hope. Amen.
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